Cool Hill Stations

1. LADAKH

I cannot think of any place on earth that can be more breathtaking, challenging and fascinating than Ladakh. There is beauty in its barrenness . The colours are stark. The Indus River beckons you , curving along the path, taking you to lands forgotten. Clothed in snow, the mountains encircle you as you climb the steps to monasteries perched precariously on cliffs. Watch the lakes change colour every minute as you drive through the land of high passes, and feel humbled in the barren landscape. My favourite is Pangong Tso ,although Tso Moriri comes a close second. If you are up to it, cycle or hike up to Khardungla Pass or lose yourself in the colours of the Nubra Valley.

8 cool destinations to beat the summer heat

•18 June 2012

The monsoon may have cooled the southern states but northern India is still reeling under the heat wave. Most conversations still start with weather reports. The hot topic: Where are you headed while there’s still a bit of summer to weather? The mountains, where else? From the cool springtime of the Himalayas to the moist, temperate Western Ghats, here is our list of the coolest destinations. Text and photos: LAKSHMI SHARATH